Financial Aid Specialist

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Position Information:
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26193. For questions regarding this position, please contact:
James Broscheit, james.broscheit.

Classification

Title:

Financial Aid Spec I.

Working Title:

Financial Aid Specialist I.

Financial Aid Services evaluates and determines the eligibility of students to receive all forms of financial assistance, including fee waivers and scholarships, loans, grants, and work‑study employment to any student attending MSU Bozeman.

Position Number: 4M0188 and 4M0821;
Department:
Financial Aid Services;
Division:
Division of Student Success;
Appointment Type:
Classified;
Contract Term:
Fiscal Year Semester; FLSA:
Non-Exempt;
Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE; FTE: 1.0;
Salary: $22.59 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications;
Contract Type:
Classified Hourly;
Recruitment Type:
Open.

The Office of Financial Aid Services (OFAS) assists students in financing their education through a variety of federal, state, and institutional aid including grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, work programs, and loans. In administering these programs, our staff works directly with applicants for student aid, their parents or sponsors, and with secondary school personnel. Because the financial aid system impacts, in one way or another, every department at Montana State University, we also work with university faculty & staff, donors, private financial institutions, and state and federal government agencies.

Financial Aid Specialist I are critical in assisting the Office of Financial Aid Services meet its mission by providing direct customer service, processing institutional forms and customer requests, and maintaining compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations.

OFAS has an extensive training and development program designed to help new employees be successful and grow in this position.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with students, parents, and campus partners to explain financial aid processes, requirements, and policies, ensuring a positive and supportive experience.
• Administer federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, including budgeting, awarding, and verifying eligibility, while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Manage and maintain accurate student aid and scholarship records within financial aid systems, ensuring timely updates and precise documentation.
• Review student files and collaborate with university departments to resolve issues, support compliance, and promote student success.
• Stay current with financial aid laws, regulations, and best practices through ongoing training and professional development.
• Act as the primary customer service contact for phone, email, and front‑desk interactions with students and families.

• One to two years of full or part‑time experience that required a high level of customer service and analytical skill and attention to detail, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Post‑secondary education is a plus.
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing, explaining, and applying rules, policies, and procedures.
• Experience using word processing, spreadsheets, and e‑mail.
• Demonstrated skill organizing and prioritizing large volumes of work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrated strong written and customer service skills, and competence communicating information and procedures in person, by phone, and e‑mail while handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Experience working with customers, conflict resolution, and problem solving while exercising good judgement.

• Experience working with SGT Banner.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Knowledge of the principles and purposes of financial aid programs.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related subject.

• Effectively operate work‑related equipment.
• Work effectively in a team‑oriented…